The shuttles start running today for the synchronous fireflies at the Elkmont Campground. I just called and spoke to a very helpful guy at the Elkmont Campground. He said that the Elkmont access road will be blocked at Little River Road during the period of 06/04/14 till 06/11/14. To get past you will have to have a reservation at the campground or be on one of the trollies.

I didn't asked how that is going to effect backpackers with backcountry camping permits. If you are going backpacking in the area I'd call the Backcountry Office.

*** From June 4th through June 11th - no overnight parking will be permitted at the Little River Trailhead. Parking for those wishing to access the backcountry via Little River Trail can be found up the hill at the Jakes Creek Trailhead. Also, both the Little River Trail and Jakes Creek Trailheads will close at 5pm daily during this time.

NDuncan,
Thanks for the clarification. The guy I spoke with this morning made it sound like an all day thing. I spoke with a lady at the backcountry office just now and she confirmed that you could park at the Jakes Creek Trailhead but should be out around 5pm. The trollies would roll in around 8.

Given how crazy it is likely to be, I think I'd just head somewhere else to fish for this week.

If anyone goes up there I'd love some first-hand feedback on how it is working.

Kris,
It is all about traffic control. The last time I tried to see the fireflies I went the year before they started the trollies. It took us 2.5 hours....just to get turned around....we never even made it to the bridge by the trailhead. It was insanity.

Great! Any reports will be appreciated! I'll be tying firefly imitations and counting the mins until Thursday.

Nathan is out there tonight. I plan on getting a report from him tomorrow afternoon. Me and the family got a camping spot tomorrow night, but I don't think we will be staying the whole night. I have a report on Wednesday for you